Buying Hay in Bulk - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**Denise** · #1 08-24-04, 08:36 am

I live in farm country and want to buy hay in bulk. I need to know how to find the best quality timothy hay. First Cut, Second Cut? What questions do I need to ask? I looked at a few links and am more confused than before. HELP!

**Piglet** · #2 08-24-04, 10:08 am

Just ask for grass or meadow hay. If you find somebody that specifically sells timothy hay, then ask for second cut.

**mncavylover** · #3 08-24-04, 11:27 am

First cut is just the one with more seed heads and it's a bit coarser. Second cut is more leafy and has less seed heads. Good luck! =)

**Denise** · #4 08-24-04, 11:42 am

Thanks bunches!

**Denise** · #5 08-28-04, 12:31 pm

Just got my bale to hay and it looks yucky! I am so disappointed. I don't think they will eat it but could I use it for bedding instead of throwing it out?

**mncavylover** · #6 08-28-04, 12:47 pm

I think you can use it as bedding, you'll just have to change it every other day or so. Just make sure it isn't poky or anything because it may damage their eyes or get stuck in them if it is. I'm sorry about your hay, and I hope you can find someplace better! =)

**MommaCavy3160** · #7 08-28-04, 04:35 pm

I wouldn't use it as bedding, There's a good chance that they will eat it and might get sick from it.

If possible, could you return it for either a new bale or your money back?

**loves2travel** · #8 08-28-04, 07:21 pm

if buying hay in bulk, will it ever get "old" and unusable? How long will hay stay fresh, fresh enough for digestion?

**Denise** · #9 08-29-04, 02:24 pm

MommaCavy, I'm not gonna return it, I'll just keep it for halloween decorations, it was only $2.50. I'm still angry though. It was cut earlier this year, is a second cut, and is almost all timothy. It looks almost like straw.

**MommaCavy3160** · #10 08-29-04, 06:22 pm

That's good that you found another use for the hay. It's such a shame that the hay was in terrible shape, hopefully you'll find a better place for great hay next time =0).

**mncavylover** · #11 08-30-04, 12:17 pm

Glad you found a new use and it was so cheap. (That may be why).

Quote:

Originally Posted by loves2travel

if buying hay in bulk, will it ever get "old" and unusable? How long will hay stay fresh, fresh enough for digestion?

It can, yes, but as long as you store it properly it should last until it's gone. I just got an order of 35 lbs from www.kmshayloft.com and it's going to last just fine. Put the hay in cardboard boxes and keep it in a place where it will not get wet, and where ther is good ventilation.

**loves2travel** · #12 08-30-04, 12:40 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by mncavylover

Glad you found a new use and it was so cheap. (That may be why).

It can, yes, but as long as you store it properly it should last until it's gone. I just got an order of 35 lbs from www.kmshayloft.com and it's going to last just fine. Put the hay in cardboard boxes and keep it in a place where it will not get wet, and where ther is good ventilation.

all right, will do. By the way, how do you like kleenmama's hay? do you reccomend it?

**loves2travel** · #13 09-01-04, 12:46 pm

mncavylover? what do you think of km's hay?

**cinn&sprinslave** · #14 09-01-04, 01:30 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by loves2travel

mncavylover? what do you think of km's hay?

mncavylover I want to know too, because I was thinking of ordering some some because shipping was hardly anything compared to what some online stores charge.

**cinn&sprinslave** · #15 09-01-04, 02:06 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinn&sprinslave

mncavylover I want to know too, because I was thinking of ordering some some because shipping was hardly anything compared to what some online stores charge.

For 9lbs of hay it would be $15 that is including shipping which is pretty cheap!! For 25lbs it would be $22 still a really good buy. Any one know what Oxbow charges???

Edited- checked oxbow their shipping is way too much for 5lbs of food it was $12 dollars, then I added 9lbs of hay and it was $16.00.. eek!!! I like Kleemas prices way better!!!

**mncavylover** · #16 09-01-04, 04:31 pm

Yep, they're better than Oxbow. =)

Ok, well, since you're all excited to hear what I've got to say, here goes (I'll just make a list):

1. It's really cheap.
2. KM is the most awesome person to work with.
3. The hay is softer and waaay less dusty than any hay I've tries, including Oxbow.
4. You're not supporting a pet store--yay!
5. It comes in large quantities, so you don't have to order very often. (Also saves gas!)

So yes, I'd recommend her hay. It came in one big box (I got 35 lbs), but when I took it out of the bags (I got 1/2 bluegrass and 1/2 timmy), only the timmy fit into the box! I filled all my other cardboard boxes iwth the bluegrass and there's still more! I think I'll get a pic up so everyone can see how big I'm talking. I'll do that soon.

**cinn&sprinslave** · #17 09-01-04, 04:36 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by mncavylover

Yep, they're better than Oxbow. =)

Ok, well, since you're all excited to hear what I've got to say, here goes (I'll just make a list):

1. It's really cheap.
2. KM is the most awesome person to work with.
3. The hay is softer and waaay less dusty than any hay I've tries, including Oxbow.
4. You're not supporting a pet store--yay!
5. It comes in large quantities, so you don't have to order very often. (Also saves gas!)

So yes, I'd recommend her hay. It came in one big box (I got 35 lbs), but when I took it out of the bags (I got 1/2 bluegrass and 1/2 timmy), only the timmy fit into the box! I filled all my other cardboard boxes iwth the bluegrass and there's still more! I think I'll get a pic up so everyone can see how big I'm talking. I'll do that soon.

Ok good sounds like the hay is really nice, affordable, and the service is great!! I will have to order some!! Definantly take a picture of how much 35lbs is because I am still debating over how much to get. It would be great if you could take a picture!!

**cinn&sprinslave** · #18 09-01-04, 04:41 pm

Oh another question mncavylover! Which is better the bluegrass hay or timothy? Does it matter which one I get? Do your piggies like the bluegrass? Sorry for all the questions =)..

**MetallichicA** · #19 09-01-04, 04:42 pm

There's a feed store near me that sells bales of orchard grass hay for $12.99 per bale. The guy said it's about a 2x2x4 foot bale. This sounds like a LOT better deal than Kleenmama's hay, as a 35-lb bale (which she says is only 18x18x24) costs $17.00 plus $14.00 for shipping. Why the huge difference? Everyone has been saying how cheap her stuff is, but it looks like I can get about 4x more hay for half the price at this feed store. Any ideas/suggestions?

**loves2travel** · #20 09-01-04, 05:07 pm

its because the hay you're getting is from local farms - I know a feed store near me that sell a bale for $6